Conflict continues over tourism office move

FAIRHAVEN — An incident between the tourism director and an Historical Society member resulted in calls from selectmen Oct. 15 for the two groups to resolve their disputes.

Select Board Chairman Brian K. Bowcock said he became aware over the weekend that Tourism Director Christopher Richard had encountered "difficulties in relocating some objects" while moving into his new office at the Academy Building.

"He moved some and it was moved back by a member of the Historical Society," Mr. Bowcock said. He said the incident resulted in "a significant argument."

Mr. Bowcock said, "Mr. Richard has run up against significant resistance," both now and previously from Historical Society members who don't want to give up space to him. Selectmen said they must try to coexist in the building, however.

Town officials have pushed to house the tourism office in the historic Academy building for many years, both to save money on rent and because Mr. Richard prefers the location.

Mr. Richard has argued that the Academy building's proximity to the bridge and Route 6 is a more optimal location for a tourism office than the leased space it has used in Central Village.

Historical Society members have argued against it, however, saying they need the office space and entryway, where Mr. Richard had planned to place brochures.

Mr. Bowcock read a letter Monday that he had written to Barbara Acksen, president of the Historical Society. In it, he said there is a "need for cooperation and at this point, Mr. Richard is not receiving that cooperation."

Mr. Bowcock said the Historical Society "has never expressed willingness" to give up space. He said if it continues to refuse to share the building with Mr. Richard, "The Board of Selectmen will have to act unilaterally to resolve this situation."

Selectman Robert Espindola said he offered to meet with the groups involved, including the Historical Commission, which oversees the building. "It's unfortunate that people have taken it to this level," he said.

Mr. Espindola said there seemed to be "an issue with what he's bringing over and setting up. I prefer to hear both sides of the story. I wasn't sure I was hearing both sides of the story here."

Ms. Acksen said several weeks ago that Mr. Richard wanted to use space in the period room for one or more of his display cases and that the Historical Society did not want to give up that additional space.

Selectmen voted to ask both sides to their Oct. 29 meeting if the dispute hasn't been resolved by then.